With the Second World War intensifying and Japan advancing towards India, the British government urgently needed Indian cooperation. To secure this, the Cripps Mission was sent in March 1942, headed by Sir Stafford Cripps, a member of the British War Cabinet.
Proposals of the Cripps Mission
-
After the war, India would be granted Dominion Status with the right to frame its own Constitution.
-
A Constituent Assembly would be convened, composed of members elected by provincial assemblies and nominated from princely states.
-
Any province unwilling to join the Indian Union could form a separate Union (hint at possible partition).
-
Immediate participation of Indians in the Governor-General’s Executive Council.
-
Safeguards for minorities and princely states were assured.
Congress Reaction
-
The Congress rejected the proposals, as they fell short of the demand for complete independence.
-
Gandhi called the offer a “post-dated cheque on a crashing bank.”
-
Congress also opposed the provision that allowed provinces to opt out, seeing it as a path to India’s partition.
Muslim League’s Reaction
-
The League also rejected the proposals, as they did not explicitly recognize Pakistan.
-
Jinnah demanded clear acceptance of the Two-Nation Theory.
Other Reactions
-
Hindu Mahasabha and Sikhs opposed the partition clause.
-
Princely states were dissatisfied with the limited role offered to them.
Significance
-
The failure of the mission exposed the deep divisions among Indian political groups.
-
It convinced Gandhi and the Congress that only direct action could achieve independence.
-
This paved the way for the launch of the Quit India Movement (1942).
Key Takeaway
The Cripps Mission (1942) was Britain’s last serious attempt to secure Indian cooperation during the war. Its failure highlighted the irreconcilable differences between Congress, Muslim League, and the British, pushing the freedom struggle into its most decisive phase.